Network troubleshooting digital assistant system

ABSTRACT

A system includes one or more processors and a memory. The processor(s) effectuates operations including receiving a query, wherein the query identifies one or more problems in the network. The processor(s) further effectuates operations including retrieving contextual information and problem information, associated with the one or more problems, from a knowledge base and generating a first recommendation list comprising one or more recommendations, wherein each of the one or more recommendations comprises the contextual information or the problem information and at least one course of action. The processor(s) further effectuates operations including receiving a selection of a recommendation from the first recommendation list and updating the knowledge base to include information associated with the selection of the recommendation and generating, in response to a further query, a second recommendation list comprising one or more further recommendations that include further contextual information or further problem information retrieved from the knowledge base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/454,989, filed Jun. 27, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,764,116, issued on Sep. 1, 2020, entitled “Network TroubleShooting Digital Assistant System,” which is a continuation of, andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/480,768, filedApr. 6, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,355,912, issued on Jul. 16, 2019,entitled “Network Trouble Shooting Digital Assistant System,” the entirecontents of both are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to network management and, morespecifically, to managing and troubleshooting complex network servicesinvolving virtualized network functions. More particularly, thedisclosure relates to a system for cloud-based network troubleshooting.Most particularly, the disclosure relates to a digital assistant in anetwork troubleshooting system.

BACKGROUND

Communication networks have migrated from using specialized networkingequipment executing on dedicated hardware, like routers, firewalls, andgateways, to software defined networks (SDNs) executing as virtualizednetwork functions (VNF) in a cloud infrastructure. To provide a service,a set of VNFs may be instantiated on the general-purpose hardware. EachVNF may require one or more virtual machines (VMs) to be instantiated.In turn, VMs may require various resources, such as memory, virtualcomputer processing units (vCPUs), and network interfaces or networkinterface cards (NICs).

The trend towards large scale commercial deployment of complexvirtualized services/cloud-based D2 services (NFV, VNF, SDN) andunderlying software infrastructures such as AT&T's ECOMP platform, AIC,OpenStack, has reduced barriers to create complex systems at scale.Indeed, complex virtual systems can be created in a largelysoftware-driven automated way. The use of virtualization, the scale andthe complex interactions among components in these systems (VMs can bespun up dynamically, VM-Host associations are not static, rapiddeployment and termination of virtualized services) introduce challengesin operational maintenance, troubleshooting and root cause analysis.Some of the challenges include: arbitrarily complex and dynamicinteractions and relationships between the virtual and physicalentities; the introduction of errors and faults during instantiation isalso increased with scale; hidden dependencies between virtual andphysical elements; nuanced characteristics of virtualized services;increased runtime complexities; and failure of documentation to keep upwith the rapid changes in the system Overall, the dynamic and scalablenature of virtualized services makes manual troubleshooting extremelychallenging, resource intensive and potentially inaccurate. Moreover,the quantity of data from diverse sources (some of them enabled by cloudand SDN platforms)—key performance indicators (KPis), measurements,topologies, inventories, logs makes it challenging to determine whichinformation is relevant to troubleshooting a specific problem

This disclosure is directed to solving one or more of the problems inthe existing technology.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a device having one or moreprocessors and a memory coupled with the one or more processors. Theprocessor effectuates operations including receiving a query, whereinthe query identifies one or more problems in the network. The processorfurther effectuates operations including retrieving contextualinformation and problem information, associated with the one or moreproblems, from a knowledge base. The processor further effectuatesoperations including generating a first recommendation list comprisingone or more recommendations, wherein each of the one or morerecommendations comprises the contextual information or the probleminformation and at least one course of action. The processor furthereffectuates operations including receiving a selection of arecommendation from the first recommendation list. The processor furthereffectuates operations including updating the knowledge base to includeinformation associated with the selection of the recommendation. Theprocessor further effectuates operations including generating, inresponse to a further query, a second recommendation list comprising oneor more further recommendations that include further contextualinformation or further problem information retrieved from the knowledgebase.

The present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method. Thecomputer-implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, a query,wherein the query identifies one or more problems in the network. Thecomputer-implemented method further includes retrieving, by theprocessor, contextual information, and problem information, associatedwith the one or more problems, from a knowledge base. Thecomputer-implemented method further includes generating, by theprocessor, a first recommendation list comprising one or morerecommendations, wherein each of the one or more recommendationscomprises the contextual information or the problem information and atleast one course of action. The computer-implemented method furtherincludes receiving, by the processor, a selection of a recommendationfrom the first recommendation list. The computer-implemented methodfurther includes updating, by the processor, the knowledge base toinclude information associated with the selection of the recommendation.The computer-implemented method further includes generating, in responseto a further query, a second recommendation list comprising one or morefurther recommendations that include further contextual information orfurther problem information retrieved from the knowledge base.

The present disclosure is directed to a computer-readable storage mediumstoring executable instructions that when executed by a computing devicecause said computing device to effectuate operations including receivinga query, wherein the query identifies one or more problems in a network.Operations further include retrieving contextual information and probleminformation from a knowledge base. Operations further include generatinga first recommendation list comprising one or more recommendations,wherein each of the one or more recommendations comprises the contextualinformation or the problem information and at least one course ofaction. Operations further include receiving a selection of arecommendation from the first recommendation list. Operations furtherinclude updating the knowledge base to include information associatedwith the selection of the recommendation. Operations further includegenerating, in response to a further query, a second recommendation listcomprising one or more further recommendations that include furthercontextual information or further problem information retrieved from theknowledge base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding ofthe variations in implementing the disclosed technology. However, theinstant disclosure may take many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the examples set forth herein. Where practical,like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network.

FIG. 1B is a representation of an exemplary hardware platform.

FIG. 2A is a representation of a system for network troubleshootingaccording to an example.

FIG. 2B is a representation similar to FIG. 2 depicting a workflow in anetwork troubleshooting digital assistant system

FIG. 2C is a flow diagram depicting a troubleshooting method accordingto one example.

FIG. 3 is a representation of a network device according to an example.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary communication system that provide wirelesstelecommunication services over wireless communication networks that maybe at least partially implemented as an SDN.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system

FIG. 6 is a representation of a telecommunications network.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a core network.

FIG. 8 is a representation packet-based mobile cellular networkenvironment.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a GPRS network.

FIG. 10 is a representation a PLMN architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network 100. Network 100 maycomprise a software defined network or SDN, for example, network 100 mayinclude one or more virtualized functions implemented on general purposehardware, such as in lieu of having dedicated hardware for every networkfunction. For example, general purpose hardware of network 100 may beconfigured to run virtual network elements to support communication andother services, such as mobility services, including consumer servicesand enterprise services. These services may be provided or measured insessions.

A virtual network function(s) (VNF) 102 may be able to support a limitednumber of sessions. Each VNF 102 may have a VNF type that indicates itsfunctionality or role. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a gateway VNF102 a and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) VNF 102 b.Additionally or alternatively, VNFs 102 may include other types of VNFs.Each VNF 102 may use one or more virtual machine (VM) 104 to operate.Each VM 104 may have a VM type that indicates its functionality or role.For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a management control module (MCM) VM104 a and an advanced services module (ASM) VM 104 b. Additionally oralternatively, VM 104 may include other types of VMs. Each VM 104 mayconsume various network resources from a hardware platform 106, such asa resource 108, a virtual central processing unit (vCPU) 108 a, memory108 b, or a network interface card (NIC) 108 c. Additionally oralternatively, hardware platform 106 may include other types ofresources 108.

While FIG. 1A illustrates resources 108 as collectively contained inhardware platform 106, the configuration of hardware platform 106 mayisolate, for example, certain memory 108 c from other memory 108 a. FIG.1B provides an exemplary implementation of hardware platform 106.

Hardware platform 106 may comprise one or more chasses 110. Chassis 110may refer to the physical housing or platform for multiple servers orother network equipment. In an aspect, chassis 110 may also refer to theunderlying network equipment. Chassis 110 may include one or moreservers 112. Server 112 may comprise general purpose computer hardwareor a computer. In an aspect, chassis 110 may comprise a metal rack, andservers 112 of chassis 110 may comprise blade servers that arephysically mounted in or on chassis 110.

Each server 112 may include one or more network resources 108, asillustrated. Servers 112 may be communicatively coupled together in anycombination or arrangement. For example, all servers 112 within a givenchassis 110 may be communicatively coupled. As another example, servers112 in different chasses 110 may be communicatively coupled.Additionally or alternatively, chasses 110 may be communicativelycoupled together in any combination or arrangement.

The characteristics of each chassis 110 and each server 112 may differ.For example, FIG. 1B illustrates that the number of servers 112 withintwo chasses 110 may vary. Additionally or alternatively, the type ornumber of resources 110 within each server 112 may vary. In an aspect,chassis 110 may be used to group servers 112 with the same resourcecharacteristics. In another aspect, servers 112 within the same chassis110 may have different resource characteristics.

Given hardware platform 106, the number of sessions that may beinstantiated may vary depending upon how efficiently resources 108 areassigned to different VMs 104. For example, assignment of VMs 104 toparticular resources 108 may be constrained by one or more rules. Forexample, a first rule may require that resources 108 assigned to aparticular VM 104 be on the same server 112 or set of servers 112. Forexample, if VM 104 uses eight vCPUs 108 a, 1 GB of memory 108 b, and 2NICs 108 c, the rules may require that all of these resources 108 besourced from the same server 112. Additionally or alternatively, VM 104may require splitting resources 108 among multiple servers 112, but suchsplitting may need to conform with certain restrictions. For example,resources 108 for VM 104 may be able to be split between two servers112. Default rules may apply. For example, a default rule may requirethat all resources 108 for a given VM 104 must come from the same server112.

In such networks, it is necessary to at least periodically performtroubleshooting operations to resolve faults or errors, addressperformance issues or perform preventative maintenance or upgrading toavoid failures. With reference to FIG. 2, a system for performingnetwork troubleshooting is generally indicated by the number 200. System200 is a personal assistance agent that actively seeks out systemperformance information that a user U normally would have to obtainmanually by performing tests or retrieving performance information. Insoftware defined networks, the ability to quickly spin up virtualnetwork functions and devices has exponentially increased the networkconnections and elements that can impact system performance. Theproliferation of network elements in SDNs makes it incredibly timeconsuming if not impossible for the user U to seek out all of theinformation and performance data needed to identify a fault and obtainsolutions. Personal assistant agent system 200 has the ability to gatherinformation and assess the interplay of the various network elements toprovide the user U with a view of the network relevant to a user queryQ. Personal assistant agent also stores problem information to leverageearlier queries and solutions to provide recommendations, probableoutcomes, and the impact of particular solutions on the network.

System 200 includes a knowledge base 210 that includes a data store ormemory 212. Knowledge base 210 may include a system state representation216 in memory 212.

System 200 further includes a knowledge base manager 220. Knowledge basemanager 220 is in communication with network data sources, generallyindicated by the number 230. Knowledge base manager 220 is also coupledto knowledge base 210 and selectively maintains and updates knowledgebase 210 with information obtained from network data sources 230.Network data sources 230 may include topology, events, alarms, poweroutput, network, KPis, system or component measurements and outputs,service elements, their interdependence and relationships, and otherinformation generated by the network to which knowledge base manager 220is connected. From the cumulative information, knowledge base 220 mayinitially populate knowledge base 210 and store a representation of thenetwork N as a system state representation 216 for a given time. Thisrepresentation 216 may be updated as knowledge base manager 220 receivesqueries. The system state representation 216 may be any suitablerepresentation of the network and is stored in machine language form butmay be output to the user in a written or graphical representation orprovided in other form including but not limited to video or audiooutput. Knowledge base manager 220 may gather such information as itrelates to a query Q and update knowledge base 210 with query relatedinformation obtained from these information sources.

System 200 further includes a query evaluation engine (QER) 240 and aproblem monitor 250. Problem monitor (PM) 250 is in communication withknowledge base 210, knowledge base manager 220 and QER 240. Problemmonitor 250 receives contextual information from knowledge base 210 andidentifies problem information in the context of the query from QER 240.Problem monitor 250 may include a memory 252 to store probleminformation associated with a query for later retrieval. Alternatively,the problem information may reside within knowledge base 210 and beassociated with a query by instruction from knowledge base manager 220.

System 200 may also include a natural language query translator (NLQT)260 in communication with an interface 262 to facilitate operation ofsystem 200 by a user U. Interface 262 may be configured to receive voiceor written or other queries Qin natural language form The NLQT 260transmits a machine-readable query QM to QER 240.

QER 240 receives the query Q and evaluates the query to inform knowledgebase manager 220 for purposes of performing a search for query relatedinformation from data sources 230. In the example shown, QER 240retrieves contextual knowledge from knowledge base 210 and retrievescontextual problems from PM 250. QER 240 may update the contextualproblems from PM based on the queries received from interface 262. QER240 is also in communication with knowledge base 210 and PM 250 toreceive information from these sources and provide a recommendation tothe user via interface 262. The recommendation may include arecommendation list that contains identification of contextualinformation or problem information obtained from knowledge base 210 andproblem monitor 260, results of contextual evaluation performed by QER240 including but not limited to a comparison to past query information,problem identification and other evaluations described more completelybelow.

System 200 creates a dialogue with user by providing user with queryrelated recommendations. For example, a user may input a query Q basedon observation of a problem in a network N at interface 262, such as,“Why is the DNS virtual network exhibiting slow performance?” NLQT 260translates the natural language of query Q to a machine-readable formand forwards the query Q to QER 240. QER collects contextual knowledgerelevant to the query Q by communicating with knowledge base manager 220to obtain collect contextual knowledge from data sources 230 relevant toquery Q. QER 240 also requests PM 250 for all problems within thecurrent context of query Q. The PM 250 explores knowledge base 210within the current context and sends the requested information to QER240. In the example, after performing the context-based searching,knowledge base manager 220 may identify that all of the call dropsoccurred through a common component and update knowledge base 210 withthis information. QER 240 would obtain from knowledge base 210 thiscontextual knowledge along with the contextual problems from PM 250 i.e.call drops and report this possible correlation to the user U throughinterface 262 as part of a list of recommendations. The user would applyexperience and knowledge in reviewing the list of recommendations andthen select from the list a course of action and/or provide an updatedquery. With each query, knowledge base manager 220 is updated and thecorrelation among network elements gets stronger or weaker. Theknowledge base manager 220 may store the update in at least one of theknowledge base 210 and problem monitor 260 for future comparison andcontextual retrieval. While the example shows the contextual informationand problem information segregated to the knowledge base 210 and problemmonitor 260 respectively, the information may be stored in a singlememory or data base for later retrieval and evaluation. Knowledge base210 develops and stores a representation of the state of the systemthrough the information gathered by knowledge base manager 220 and thecorrelation of this information to at least one query Q. Knowledge basemanager 220 connects and synthesizes diverse sources of data from datasources 230 and stores it in knowledge base 210 to create a holistic orsystem-wide view therein. PM 230 is configured to keep a history ofproblems for each network element and service and track the history ofprevious troubleshooting queries and solutions to problems. QER 240 isconfigured to evaluate the information received from knowledge base 210and PM 250 including but not limited to performing fault localization,fault detection, identifying component or system trends, what-ifanalysis, mitigation strategies, pattern recognition, and the like. QER240 also analyzes data from knowledge based to quantify a likelihood ofsuccess for a given recommendation. Each recommendation provided inresponse to a query Q may include a likelihood that the recommendedsolution will fix the problem identified in query Q. QER 240 may alsoanalyze the impact that a recommended course of action will have on thenetwork or elements of the system For example, recommendation mayanalyze data received from knowledge base manager 220 and PM 230 andprovide a recommendation to reroute calls through an alternate channel.With this recommendation, QER 240 may report via interface that thelikelihood of preventing drops using this course of action to have ahigh likelihood of success. The likelihood of success could be expressedin any manner including a low, medium, or high likelihood; expressingchances as a percentage; and the like. In addition, QER 240 may reportan impact for the recommended course of action. For example, QER 240 mayreport via interface that rerouting to an alternate channel will impactnetwork by increasing traffic on channel possibly leading to droppedcalls during peak periods. System 200 learns from the expert knowledgeof user U by storing the selected course of action followingrecommendation and the result of electing a course of action. Theselected course of action and result of the course of action includingactual impact on performance and network elements is recorded and usedto update future recommendations. For example, user U may selectrerouting traffic through alternate channel to divert traffic from thesource of drops. This selection is stored in knowledge base. Knowledgebase manager 220 would retrieve performance information including butnot limited to the actual increase in traffic through alternate channeland number of drops after rerouting. QER 240 may continue dialogue withuser U by reporting back the impact of the selection using theperformance data from knowledge base manager 220. Depending onperformance data, QER 240 may provide follow up recommendations orsuggest alternate solutions for the original fault based on the resultsof the selection. This process is repeated by system 200 to create adialogue for user U providing user U with information that they wouldnormally have to seek out and measure individually.

QER 240 leverages past queries, problems, solutions along withcontextual knowledge to present the user with this information withoutthe user specifically asking for the information. In this way, system200 navigates the troubleshooting process and uses query interactions todevelop context for the user without the user having to manually searchfor relevant information. For each query Q, system 200 stores the query,the steps performed in the analysis, the problem identified andresolution in a memory 212. As a result, subsequent queries with similarsymptoms may be resolved more effectively. The interactive nature ofsystem 200 also leverages the expert knowledge that the user brings tothe system 200 by storing selections from the recommendation list L andsubsequent queries that further define the problem and path towardresolution.

With reference to FIG. 3, system 200 may be implemented in a networkdevice 300 described more completely below with a processor 302programmed to execute a method, generally indicated at 290 (FIG. 2B),according to the following example. System 200 may populate a knowledgebase 210 at step 291. To perform the populating step, system 200 maypull information from a data source including at least one of events,alarms, and network infrastructure topology. After observing a problemin the network Nor other time selected by the user, user inputs a queryQin an interface 262 connected to system 200. Query Q may be a naturallanguage query. Upon receipt of a query Q, NLQT 260 translates the queryQ to a machine query QM and transmits the machine query to QER 240 atstep 292. The QER collects contextual knowledge relevant to the query atstep 293. The contextual knowledge includes at least one ofrelationships of service elements; interdependence of elements, alarms,KPls, and other information stored in the knowledge base 210. Systemobtains a list of problems in the current context at step 294. Forexample, the obtaining step 294 may include QER requesting that the PM230 search for all problems within the current context of the query. ThePM 230 accordingly searches the knowledge base 210 within the currentcontext and sends the requested results to QER. The QER returns to theuser a list of recommendations at step 295. The list of recommendationsmay include a score or the list may be ordered in terms of priority.

The PM updates the knowledge base manager 220 with the current query bythe user and associated problems relevant to the query at step 296. QERupdates the knowledge base manager 220 with the current query by theuser and associated context of the query at step 297. The knowledge basemanager updates the knowledge base 210 with the information from PM andQER at step 298. Once the user chooses a step from the list ofrecommendations, system 200 may record the selection and await asubsequent query from user repeating the process until the problem isresolved.

The network troubleshooting system 200 and method described above may beimplemented in a network device. FIG. 3 illustrates a functional blockdiagram depicting one example of a network device, generally indicatedat 300. Network device 300 may comprise a processor 302 and a memory 304coupled to processor 302. Memory 304 may contain executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations associated with troubleshooting a network as described above.As evident from the description herein, network device 300 is not to beconstrued as software per se.

In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device 300 mayinclude an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory 304, andinput/output system 306 may be coupled together to allow communicationsbetween them. Each portion of network device 300 may comprise circuitryfor performing functions associated with each respective portion. Thus,each portion may comprise hardware, or a combination of hardware andsoftware. Accordingly, each portion of network device 300 is not to beconstrued as software per se. Input/output system 306 may be capable ofreceiving or providing information from or to a communications device orother network entities configured for telecommunications. For example,input/output system 306 may include a wireless communications (e.g.,3G/4G/GPS) card. Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving orsending video information, audio information, control information, imageinformation, data, or any combination thereof. Input/output system 306may be capable of transferring information with network device 300. Invarious configurations, input/output system 306 may receive or provideinformation via any appropriate means, such as, for example, opticalmeans (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth®, ZigBee®), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone,ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), electrical means, or acombination thereof. In an example configuration, input/output system306 may comprise a Wi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or equivalent, orthe like, or a combination thereof. Bluetooth, infrared, NFC, and Zigbeeare generally considered short range (e.g., few centimeters to 20meters). WiFi is considered medium range (e.g., approximately 100meters).

Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may contain acommunication connection 308 that allows network device 300 tocommunicate with other devices, network entities, or the like.Communication connection 308 may comprise communication media.Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, or wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, or other wireless media. The term computer-readable media asused herein includes both storage media and communication media.Input/output system 306 also may include an input device 310 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, or touch input device.Input/output system 306 may also include an output device 312, such as adisplay, speakers, or a printer.

Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions associated withtelecommunications, such as functions for processing broadcast messages,as described herein. For example, processor 302 may be capable of, inconjunction with any other portion of network device 300, determining atype of broadcast message and acting according to the broadcast messagetype or content, as described herein.

Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage medium having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. As is known, a signal does nothave a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Memory 304, as well asany computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to beconstrued as a signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readablestorage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a transientsignal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage mediumdescribed herein, is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is to be construed as an article of manufacture.

Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction withtelecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or type ofprocessor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314 (such as sometypes of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as ROM, flash memory), ora combination thereof. Memory 304 may include additional storage (e.g.,a removable storage 318 or a non-removable storage 320) including, forexample, tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any othermedium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed bynetwork device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations to map signal strengths in an area of interest.

The troubleshooting system 200 may reside within any network tofacilitate communication between edge routers from disparate networkfamilies and services. The following are example networks on whichsystem 200 may reside. FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagramdepicting one example of an LTE-EPS network architecture 400 that may beat least partially implemented as an SDN. Network architecture 400disclosed herein is referred to as a modified LTE-EPS architecture 400to distinguish it from a traditional LTE-EPS architecture.

An example modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 is based at least in parton standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),with information available at, Y\:VW.3gpP.org. LTE-EPS networkarchitecture 400 may include an access network 402, a core network 404,e.g., an EPC or Common BackBone (CBB) and one or more external networks406, sometimes referred to as PDN or peer entities. Different externalnetworks 406 can be distinguished from each other by a respectivenetwork identifier, e.g., a label according to DNS naming conventionsdescribing an access point to the PDN. Such labels can be referred to asAccess Point Names (APN). External networks 406 can include one or moretrusted and non-trusted external networks such as an internet protocol(IP) network 408, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 410, andother networks 412, such as a service network, a corporate network, orthe like. In an aspect, access network 402, core network 404, orexternal network 405 may include or communicate with network 100.

Access network 402 can include an LTE network architecture sometimesreferred to as Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunication systemTerrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) and evolved UMTS Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, access network 402 can include one ormore communication devices, commonly referred to as UE 414, and one ormore wireless access nodes, or base stations 416 a, 416 b. Duringnetwork operations, at least one base station 416 communicates directlywith UE 414. Base station 416 can be an evolved Node B (e-NodeB), withwhich UE 414 communicates over the air and wirelessly. UEs 414 caninclude, without limitation, wireless devices, e.g., satellitecommunication systems, portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, tablet devices and other mobile devices (e.g., cellulartelephones, smart appliances, and so on). UEs 414 can connect to eNBs416 when UE 414 is within range according to a corresponding wirelesscommunication technology.

UE 414 generally runs one or more applications that engage in a transferof packets between UE 414 and one or more external networks 406. Suchpacket transfers can include one of downlink packet transfers fromexternal network 406 to UE 414, uplink packet transfers from UE 414 toexternal network 406 or combinations of uplink and downlink packettransfers. Applications can include, without limitation, web browsing,VoIP, streaming media and the like. Each application can pose differentQuality of Service (QoS) requirements on a respective packet transfer.Different packet transfers can be served by different bearers withincore network 404, e.g., according to parameters, such as the QoS.

Core network 404 uses a concept of bearers, e.g., EPS bearers, to routepackets, e.g., IP traffic, between a particular gateway in core network404 and UE 414. A bearer refers generally to an IP packet flow with adefined QoS between the particular gateway and UE 414. Access network402, e.g., E UTRAN, and core network 404 together set up and releasebearers as required by the various applications. Bearers can beclassified in at least two different categories: (i) minimum guaranteedbit rate bearers, e.g., for applications, such as VoIP; and (ii)non-guaranteed bit rate bearers that do not require guarantee bit rate,e.g., for applications, such as web browsing.

In one embodiment, the core network 404 includes various networkentities, such as MME 418, SGW 420, Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 422,Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 424 and PGW 426. In oneembodiment, MME 418 comprises a control node performing a controlsignaling between various equipment and devices in access network 402and core network 404. The protocols running between UE 414 and corenetwork 404 are generally known as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocols.

For illustration purposes only, the terms MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422 andPGW 426, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in thesubject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood thatany form of such servers can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as bearer pathsand/or interfaces are terms that can include features, methodologies,and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standardsbodies such as the 3GPP. It is further noted that some or allembodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify,supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards publishedand promulgated by 3GPP.

According to traditional implementations of LTE-EPS architectures, SGW420 routes and forwards all user data packets. SGW 420 also acts as amobility anchor for user plane operation during handovers between basestations, e.g., during a handover from first eNB 416 a to second eNB 416b as may be the result of UE 414 moving from one area of coverage, e.g.,cell, to another. SGW 420 can also terminate a downlink data path, e.g.,from external network 406 to UE 414 in an idle state and trigger apaging operation when downlink data arrives for UE 414. SGW 420 can alsobe configured to manage and store a context for UE 414, e.g., includingone or more of parameters of the IP bearer service and network internalrouting information. In addition, SGW 420 can perform administrativefunctions, e.g., in a visited network, such as collecting informationfor charging (e.g., the volume of data sent to or received from theuser), and/or replicate user traffic, e.g., to support a lawfulinterception. SGW 420 also serves as the mobility anchor forinterworking with other 3GPP technologies such as universal mobiletelecommunication system (UMTS).

At any given time, UE 414 is generally in one of three different states:detached, idle, or active. The detached state is typically a transitorystate in which UE 414 is powered on but is engaged in a process ofsearching and registering with network 402. In the active state, UE 414is registered with access network 402 and has established a wirelessconnection, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) connection, with eNB 416.Whether UE 414 is in an active state can depend on the state of a packetdata session, and whether there is an active packet data session. In theidle state, UE 414 is generally in a power conservation state in whichUE 414 typically does not communicate packets. When UE 414 is idle, SGW420 can terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from one peer entity 406,and triggers paging of UE 414 when data arrives for UE 414. If UE 414responds to the page, SGW 420 can forward the IP packet to eNB 416 a.

HSS 422 can manage subscription-related information for a user of UE414. For example, HSS 422 can store information such as authorization ofthe user, security requirements for the user, quality of service (QoS)requirements for the user, etc. HSS 422 can also hold information aboutexternal networks 406 to which the user can connect, e.g., in the formof an APN of external networks 406. For example, MME 418 can communicatewith HSS 422 to determine if UE 414 is authorized to establish a call,e.g., a voice over IP (VoIP) call before the call is established.

PCRF 424 can perform QoS management functions and policy control. PCRF424 is responsible for policy control decision-making, as well as forcontrolling the flow-based charging functionalities in a policy controlenforcement function (PCEF), which resides in PGW 426. PCRF 424 providesthe QoS authorization, e.g., QoS class identifier and bit rates thatdecide how a certain data flow will be treated in the PCEF and ensuresthat this is in accordance with the user's subscription profile.

PGW 426 can provide connectivity between the UE 414 and one or more ofthe external networks 406. In illustrative network architecture 400, PGW426 can be responsible for IP address allocation for UE 414, as well asone or more of QoS enforcement and flow-based charging, e.g., accordingto rules from the PCRF 424. PGW 426 is also typically responsible forfiltering downlink user IP packets into the different QoS-based bearers.In at least some embodiments, such filtering can be performed based ontraffic flow templates. PGW 426 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g.,for guaranteed bit rate bearers. PGW 426 also serves as a mobilityanchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as CDMA2000.

Within access network 402 and core network 404 there may be variousbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., represented by solid lines 428 and 430.Some of the bearer paths can be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, solid line 428 can be considered an S1-U bearer and solid line432 can be considered an S5/S8 bearer according to LTE-EPS architecturestandards. Without limitation, reference to various interfaces, such asS1, X2, S5, S8, S11 refer to EPS interfaces. In some instances, suchinterface designations are combined with a suffix, e.g., a “U” or a “C”to signify whether the interface relates to a “User plane” or a “Controlplane.” In addition, the core network 404 can include various signalingbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfacesrepresented by dashed lines 430, 434, 436, and 438. Some of thesignaling bearer paths may be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, dashed line 430 can be considered as an S1-MME signalingbearer, dashed line 434 can be considered as an S11 signaling bearer anddashed line 436 can be considered as an S6a signaling bearer, e.g.,according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. The above bearer paths andsignaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examples and it should benoted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearer paths may existthat are not illustrated.

Also shown is a novel user plane path/interface, referred to as theS1-U+ interface 466. In the illustrative example, the S1-U+ user planeinterface extends between the eNB 416 a and PGW 426. Notably, S1-U+path/interface does not include SGW 420, a node that is otherwiseinstrumental in configuring and/or managing packet forwarding betweeneNB 416 a and one or more external networks 406 by way of PGW 426. Asdisclosed herein, the S1-U+ path/interface facilitates autonomouslearning of peer transport layer addresses by one or more of the networknodes to facilitate a self-configuring of the packet forwarding path. Inparticular, such self-configuring can be accomplished during handoversin most scenarios so as to reduce any extra signaling load on the S/PGWs420, 426 due to excessive handover events.

In some embodiments, PGW 426 is coupled to storage device 440, shown inphantom Storage device 440 can be integral to one of the network nodes,such as PGW 426, for example, in the form of internal memory and/or diskdrive. It is understood that storage device 440 can include registerssuitable for storing address values. Alternatively or in addition,storage device 440 can be separate from PGW 426, for example, as anexternal hard drive, a flash drive, and/or network storage.

Storage device 440 selectively stores one or more values relevant to theforwarding of packet data. For example, storage device 440 can storeidentities and/or addresses of network entities, such as any of networknodes 418,420,422,424, and 426, eNBs 416 and/or UE 414. In theillustrative example, storage device 440 includes a first storagelocation 442 and a second storage location 444. First storage location442 can be dedicated to storing a Currently Used Downlink address value442. Likewise, second storage location 444 can be dedicated to storing aDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444. PGW 426 can read and/orwrite values into either of storage locations 442, 444, for example,managing Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address value 442 andDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444 as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address for eachEPS bearer is the SGW S5-U address for each EPS Bearer. The CurrentlyUsed Downlink Forwarding address” for each EPS bearer in PGW 426 can beset every time when PGW 426 receives an uplink packet, e.g., a GTP-Uuplink packet, with a new source address for a corresponding EPS bearer.When UE 414 is in an idle state, the “Current Used Downlink Forwardingaddress” field for each EPS bearer of UE 414 can be set to a “null” orother suitable value.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address is onlyupdated when PGW 426 receives a new SGW S5-U address in a predeterminedmessage or messages. For example, the Default Downlink Forwardingaddress is only updated when PGW 426 receives one of a Create SessionRequest, Modify Bearer Request and Create Bearer Response messages fromSGW 420.

As values 442, 444 can be maintained and otherwise manipulated on a perbearer basis, it is understood that the storage locations can take theform of tables, spreadsheets, lists, and/or other data structuresgenerally well understood and suitable for maintaining and/or otherwisemanipulate forwarding addresses on a per bearer basis.

It should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 areillustrated in a simplified block diagram in FIG. 4. In other words,either or both of access network 402 and the core network 404 caninclude additional network elements that are not shown, such as variousrouters, switches, and controllers. In addition, although FIG. 4illustrates only a single one of each of the various network elements,it should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 caninclude any number of the various network elements. For example, corenetwork 404 can include a pool (i.e., more than one) of MMEs 418, SGWs420 or PGWs 426.

In the illustrative example, data traversing a network path between UE414, eNB 416 a, SGW 420, PGW 426 and external network 406 may beconsidered to constitute data transferred according to an end-to-end IPservice. However, for the present disclosure, to properly performestablishment management in LTE-EPS network architecture 400, the corenetwork, data bearer portion of the end-to-end IP service is analyzed.

An establishment may be defined herein as a connection set up requestbetween any two elements within LTE-EPS network architecture 400. Theconnection set up request may be for user data or for signaling. Afailed establishment may be defined as a connection set up request thatwas unsuccessful. A successful establishment may be defined as aconnection set up request that was successful.

In one embodiment, a data bearer portion comprises a first portion(e.g., a data radio bearer 446) between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, a secondportion (e.g., an S1 data bearer 428) between eNB 416 a and SGW 420, anda third portion (e.g., an S5/S8 bearer 432) between SGW 420 and PGW 426.Various signaling bearer portions are also illustrated in FIG. 4. Forexample, a first signaling portion (e.g., a signaling radio bearer 448)between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, and a second signaling portion (e.g., S1signaling bearer 430) between eNB 416 a and MME 418.

In at least some embodiments, the data bearer can include tunneling,e.g., IP tunneling, by which data packets can be forwarded in anencapsulated manner, between tunnel endpoints. Tunnels, or tunnelconnections can be identified in one or more nodes of network 100, e.g.,by one or more of tunnel endpoint identifiers, an IP address, and a userdatagram protocol port number. Within a particular tunnel connection,payloads, e.g., packet data, which may or may not include protocolrelated information, are forwarded between tunnel endpoints.

An example of first tunnel solution 450 includes a first tunnel 452 abetween two tunnel endpoints 454 a and 456 a, and a second tunnel 452 bbetween two tunnel endpoints 454 b and 456 b. In the illustrativeexample, first tunnel 452 a is established between eNB 416 a and SGW420. Accordingly, first tunnel 452 a includes a first tunnel endpoint454 a corresponding to an S1-U address of eNB 416 a (referred to hereinas the eNB S1-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 a correspondingto an S1-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S1-Uaddress). Likewise, second tunnel 452 b includes first tunnel endpoint454 b corresponding to an S5-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein asthe SGW S5-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 b corresponding toan S5-U address of PGW 426 (referred to herein as the PGW S5-U address).

In at least some embodiments, first tunnel solution 450 is referred toas a two-tunnel solution, e.g., according to the GPRS Tunneling ProtocolUser Plane (GTPvl-U based), as described in 3GPP specification TS29.281, incorporated herein in its entirety. It is understood that oneor more tunnels are permitted between each set of tunnel end points. Forexample, each subscriber can have one or more tunnels, e.g., one foreach PDP context that they have active, as well as possibly havingseparate tunnels for specific connections with different quality ofservice requirements, and so on.

An example of second tunnel solution 458 includes a single or directtunnel 460 between tunnel endpoints 462 and 464. In the illustrativeexample, direct tunnel 460 is established between eNB 416 a and PGW 426,without subjecting packet transfers to processing related to SGW 420.Accordingly, direct tunnel 460 includes first tunnel endpoint 462corresponding to the eNB S1-U address, and second tunnel endpoint 464corresponding to the PGW S5-U address. Packet data received at eitherend can be encapsulated into a payload and directed to the correspondingaddress of the other end of the tunnel. Such direct tunneling avoidsprocessing, e.g., by SGW 420 that would otherwise relay packets betweenthe same two endpoints, e.g., according to a protocol, such as the GTP-Uprotocol.

In some scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user planedata packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way of SGW 420. Forexample, SGW 420 can serve a relay function, by relaying packets betweentwo tunnel endpoints 416 a, 426. In other scenarios, direct tunnelingsolution 458 can forward user data packets between eNB 416 a and PGW426, by way of the S1 U+ interface, thereby bypassing SGW 420.

Generally, UE 414 can have one or more bearers at any one time. Thenumber and types of bearers can depend on applications, defaultrequirements, and so on. It is understood that the techniques disclosedherein, including the configuration, management and use of varioustunnel solutions 450, 458, can be applied to the bearers on anindividual basis. For example, if user data packets of one bearer, say abearer associated with a VoIP service of UE 414, then the forwarding ofall packets of that bearer are handled in a similar manner. Continuingwith this example, the same UE 414 can have another bearer associatedwith it through the same eNB 416 a. This other bearer, for example, canbe associated with a relatively low rate data session forwarding userdata packets through core network 404 simultaneously with the firstbearer. Likewise, the user data packets of the other bearer are alsohandled in a similar manner, without necessarily following a forwardingpath or solution of the first bearer. Thus, one of the bearers may beforwarded through direct tunnel 458; whereas, another one of the bearersmay be forwarded through a two-tunnel solution 450.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as processor 302, UE 414, eNB 416, MME 418, SGW420, HSS 422, PCRF 424, PGW 426 and other devices of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network502) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in aserver-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video, ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller) 504 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, orboth), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508, which communicate witheach other via a bus 510. The computer system 500 may further include adisplay unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, ora solid-state display). Computer system 500 may include an input device514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), adisk drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker orremote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributedenvironments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can beadapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by two or morecomputer systems 500. In this configuration, presentations described bythe subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of display units512, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of displayunits 512.

The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 526) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above.Instructions 526 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within main memory 506, static memory 508, or within processor 504during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Main memory 506 andprocessor 504 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storagemedia.

As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunication system 600 may include wirelesstransmit/receive units (WTRUs) 602, a RAN 604, a core network 606, apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 608, the Internet 610, or othernetworks 612, though it will be appreciated that the disclosed examplescontemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, or networkelements. Each WTRU 602 may be any type of device configured to operateor communicate in a wireless environment. For example, a WTRU maycomprise drone 102, a mobile device, network device 300, or the like, orany combination thereof. By way of example, WTRUs 602 may be configuredto transmit or receive wireless signals and may include a UE, a mobilestation, a mobile device, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, acellular telephone, a PDA, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personalcomputer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, or the like. WTRUs602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals over anair interface 614.

Telecommunication system 600 may also include one or more base stations616. Each of base stations 616 may be any type of device configured towirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 602 to facilitateaccess to one or more communication networks, such as core network 606,PTSN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. By way of example, basestations 616 may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNodeB, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a site controller, an access point(AP), a wireless router, or the like. While base stations 616 are eachdepicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that base stations616 may include any number of interconnected base stations or networkelements.

RAN 604 may include one or more base stations 616, along with othernetwork elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), aradio network controller (RNC), or relay nodes. One or more basestations 616 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signalswithin a particular geographic region, which may be referred to as acell (not shown). The cell may further be divided into cell sectors. Forexample, the cell associated with base station 616 may be divided intothree sectors such that base station 616 may include three transceivers:one for each sector of the cell. In another example, base station 616may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and,therefore, may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of thecell.

Base stations 616 may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 602 over airinterface 614, which may be any suitable wireless communication link(e.g., RF, microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), or visiblelight). Air interface 614 may be established using any suitable radioaccess technology (RAT).

More specifically, as noted above, telecommunication system 600 may be amultiple access system and may employ one or more channel accessschemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, or the like. Forexample, base station 616 in RAN 604 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604may implement a radio technology such as Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) thatmay establish air interface 614 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA mayinclude communication protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA)or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink PacketAccess (HSDPA) or High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

As another example base station 616 and WTRUs 602 that are connected toRAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish air interface 614using LTE or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

Optionally base station 616 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604 mayimplement radio technologies such as IEEE 602.16 (i.e., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 IX,CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95(IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), GSM, Enhanced Data rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or the like.

Base station 616 may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, oraccess point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT forfacilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a placeof business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, or the like. For example, basestation 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio technologysuch as IEEE 602.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN).As another example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 mayimplement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.15 to establish a wirelesspersonal area network (WPAN). In yet another example, base station 616and associated WTRUs 602 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA,CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell.As shown in FIG. 6, base station 616 may have a direct connection toInternet 610. Thus, base station 616 may not be required to accessInternet 610 via core network 606.

RAN 604 may be in communication with core network 606, which may be anytype of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and/orvoice over internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more WTRUs 602.For example, core network 606 may provide call control, billingservices, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internetconnectivity, video distribution or high-level security functions, suchas user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it will beappreciated that RAN 604 or core network 606 may be in direct orindirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as RAN604 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected toRAN 604, which may be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology, core network606 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employinga GSM radio technology.

Core network 606 may also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 602 to accessPSTN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. PSTN 608 may includecircuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephoneservice (POTS). For LTE core networks, core network 606 may use IMS core614 to provide access to PSTN 608. Internet 610 may include a globalsystem of interconnected computer networks or devices that use commoncommunication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol(TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), or IP in the TCP/IP internetprotocol suite. Other networks 612 may include wired or wirelesscommunications networks owned or operated by other service providers.For example, other networks 612 may include another core networkconnected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as RAN 604or a different RAT.

Some or all WTRUs 602 in telecommunication system 600 may includemulti-mode capabilities. For example, WTRUs 602 may include multipletransceivers for communicating with different wireless networks overdifferent wireless links. For example, one or more WTRUs 602 may beconfigured to communicate with base station 616, which may employ acellular-based radio technology, and with base station 616, which mayemploy an IEEE 802 radio technology.

FIG. 7 is an example system 700 including RAN 604 and core network 606.As noted above, RAN 604 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology tocommunicate with WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. RAN 604 may also bein communication with core network 606.

RAN 604 may include any number of eNode-Bs 702 while remainingconsistent with the disclosed technology. One or more eNode-Bs 702 mayinclude one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 602over air interface 614. Optionally, eNode-Bs 702 may implement MIMOtechnology. Thus, one of eNode-Bs 702, for example, may use multipleantennas to transmit wireless signals to, or receive wireless signalsfrom, one of WTRUs 602.

Each of eNode-Bs 702 may be associated with a particular cell and may beconfigured to handle radio resource management decisions, handoverdecisions, scheduling of users in the uplink or downlink, or the like.As shown in FIG. 7 eNode-Bs 702 may communicate with one another over anX2 interface.

Core network 606 shown in FIG. 7 may include a mobility managementgateway or entity (MME) 704, a serving gateway 706, or a packet datanetwork (PDN) gateway 708. While each of the foregoing elements aredepicted as part of core network 606, it will be appreciated that anyone of these elements may be owned or operated by an entity other thanthe core network operator.

MME 704 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604 via an S1interface and may serve as a control node. For example, MME 704 may beresponsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 602, bearer activation ordeactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initialattach of WTRUs 602, or the like. MME 704 may also provide a controlplane function for switching between RAN 604 and other RANs (not shown)that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.

Serving gateway 706 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604via the S1 interface. Serving gateway 706 may generally route or forwarduser data packets to or from the WTRUs 602. Serving gateway 706 may alsoperform other functions, such as anchoring user planes duringinter-eNode B handovers, triggering paging when downlink data isavailable for WTRUs 602, managing or storing contexts of WTRUs 602, orthe like.

Serving gateway 706 may also be connected to PDN gateway 708, which mayprovide WTRUs 602 with access to packet-switched networks, such asInternet 610, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 andIP-enabled devices.

Core network 606 may facilitate communications with other networks. Forexample, core network 606 may provide WTRUs 602 with access tocircuit-switched networks, such as PSTN 608, such as through IMS core614, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 and traditionalland-line communications devices. In addition, core network 606 mayprovide the WTRUs 602 with access to other networks 612, which mayinclude other wired or wireless networks that are owned or operated byother service providers.

FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network as describedherein. In the example packet-based mobile cellular network environmentshown in FIG. 8, there are a plurality of base station subsystems (BSS)800 (only one is shown), each of which comprises a base stationcontroller (BSC) 802 serving a plurality of BTSs, such as BTSs 804, 806,808. BTSs 804, 806, 808 are the access points where users ofpacket-based mobile devices become connected to the wireless network. Inexample fashion, the packet traffic originating from mobile devices istransported via an over-the-air interface to BTS 808, and from BTS 808to BSC 802. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 800, are a part ofinternal frame relay network 810 that can include a service GPRS supportnodes (SGSN), such as SGSN 812 or SGSN 814. Each SGSN 812,814 isconnected to an internal packet network 816 through which SGSN 812, 814can route data packets to or from a plurality of gateway GPRS supportnodes (GGSN) 818, 820, 822. As illustrated, SGSN 814 and GGSNs 818, 820,822 are part of internal packet network 816. GGSNs 818, 820, 822 mainlyprovide an interface to external IP networks such as PLMN 824, corporateintranets/internets 826, or Fixed-End System (FES) or the publicInternet 828. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network 826 may beconnected to GGSN 820 via a firewall 830. PLMN 824 may be connected toGGSN 820 via a border gateway router (BGR) 832. A Remote AuthenticationDial-In User Service (RADIUS) server 834 may be used for callerauthentication when a user calls corporate network 826.

Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a network, referred toas macro, micro, pico, femto or umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential or small businessenvironments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to covershadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage betweenthose cells.

FIG. 9 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network 900 asdescribed herein. The architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may be segmentedinto four groups: users 902, RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnectnetwork 908. Users 902 comprise a plurality of end users, who each mayuse one or more devices 910. Note that device 910 is referred to as amobile subscriber (MS) in the description of network shown in FIG. 9. Inan example, device 910 comprises a communications device (e.g., mobiledevice 102, mobile positioning center 116, network device 300, any ofdetected devices 500, second device 508, access device 604, accessdevice 606, access device 608, access device 610 or the like, or anycombination thereof). Radio access network 904 comprises a plurality ofBSSs such as BSS 912, which includes a BTS 914 and a BSC 916. Corenetwork 906 may include a host of various network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, core network 906 may comprise MSC 918, servicecontrol point (SCP) 920, gateway MSC (GMSC) 922, SGSN 924, home locationregister (HLR) 926, authentication center (AuC) 928, domain name system(DNS) server 930, and GGSN 932. Interconnect network 908 may alsocomprise a host of various networks or other network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, interconnect network 908 comprises a PSTN 934, anFES/Internet 936, a firewall 1038 (FIG. 10), or a corporate network 940.

An MSC can be connected to a large number of BSCs. At MSC 918, forinstance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic may be separatedin that voice may be sent to PSTN 934 through GMSC 922, or data may besent to SGSN 924, which then sends the data traffic to GGSN 932 forfurther forwarding.

When MSC 918 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 916, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 920, which processes the request andissues a response to MSC 918 so that it may continue call processing asappropriate.

HLR 926 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 926 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), subscribedservices, or a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 926 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe MS. Associated with HLR 926 is AuC 928, which is a database thatcontains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers and includes theassociated keys for encryption to safeguard the user input forauthentication.

In the following, depending on context, “mobile subscriber” or “MS”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 9, whenMS 910 initiates the attach process by turning on the networkcapabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent by MS 910to SGSN 924. The SGSN 924 queries another SGSN, to which MS 910 wasattached before, for the identity of MS 910. Upon receiving the identityof MS 910 from the other SGSN, SGSN 924 requests more information fromMS 910. This information is used to authenticate MS 910 together withthe information provided by HLR 926. Once verified, SGSN 924 sends alocation update to HLR 926 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 924. HLR 926 notifies the old SGSN, to which MS910 was attached before, to cancel the location process for MS 910. HLR926 then notifies SGSN 924 that the location update has been performed.At this time, SGSN 924 sends an Attach Accept message to MS 910, whichin tum sends an Attach Complete message to SGSN 924.

Next, MS 910 establishes a user session with the destination network,corporate network 940, by going through a Packet Data Protocol (PDP)activation process. Briefly, in the process, MS 910 requests access tothe Access Point Name (APN), for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 924 receivesthe activation request from MS 910. SGSN 924 then initiates a DNS queryto learn which GGSN 932 has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query issent to a DNS server within core network 906, such as DNS server 930,which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSNs in core network 906.Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 932 can access requested corporatenetwork 940. SGSN 924 then sends to GGSN 932 a Create PDP ContextRequest message that contains necessary information. GGSN 932 sends aCreate PDP Context Response message to SGSN 924, which then sends anActivate PDP Context Accept message to MS 910.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by MS 910 can then gothrough RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network 908, in aparticular FES/Internet 936 and firewall 1038, to reach corporatenetwork 940.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example PLMN architecture thatmay be replaced by a telecommunications system In FIG. 10, solid linesmay represent user traffic signals, and dashed lines may representsupport signaling. MS 1002 is the physical equipment used by the PLMNsubscriber. For example, drone 102, network device 300, the like, or anycombination thereof may serve as MS 1002. MS 1002 may be one of, but notlimited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone in combinationwith another electronic device or any other wireless mobilecommunication device.

MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with BSS 1004. BSS 1004 contains BSC1006 and a BTS 1008. BSS 1004 may include a single BSC 1006/BTS 1008pair (base station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs that are part of alarger network. BSS 1004 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002and may support one or more cells. BSS 1004 is responsible for handlingcellular traffic and signaling between MS 1002 and a core network 1010.Typically, BSS 1004 performs functions that include, but are not limitedto, digital conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels tomobile devices, paging, or transmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with RNS 1012. RNS 1012contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1014 and one or more Nodes B1016. RNS 1012 may support one or more cells. RNS 1012 may also includeone or more RNC 1014/Node B 1016 pairs or alternatively a single RNC1014 may manage multiple Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 is responsible forcommunicating with MS 1002 in its geographically defined area. RNC 1014is responsible for controlling Nodes B 1016 that are connected to it andis a control element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1014 performsfunctions such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling,handover control, security functions, or controlling MS 1002 access tocore network 1010.

An E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN) 1018 is a RAN that provides wireless datacommunications for MS 1002 and UE 1024. E-UTRAN 1018 provides higherdata rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the LTE upgrade formobile networks, and later releases meet the requirements of theInternational Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Advanced and are commonlyknown as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1018 may include of series of logicalnetwork components such as E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1020 and E-UTRAN Node B(eNB) 1022. E-UTRAN 1018 may contain one or more eNBs. User equipment(UE) 1024 may be any mobile device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1018including, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobiledevice, wireless router, or other device capable of wirelessconnectivity to E-UTRAN 1018. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN1018 relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth,spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited to,voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer or IPTV, while stillallowing for full mobility.

Typically, MS 1002 may communicate with any or all of BSS 1004, RNS1012, or E-UTRAN 1018. In an illustrative system, each of BSS 1004, RNS1012, and E-UTRAN 1018 may provide MS 1002 with access to core network1010. Core network 1010 may include of a series of devices that routedata and communications between end users. Core network 1010 may providenetwork service functions to users in the circuit switched (CS) domainor the packet switched (PS) domain. The CS domain refers to connectionsin which dedicated network resources are allocated at the time ofconnection establishment and then released when the connection isterminated. The PS domain refers to communications and data transfersthat make use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Eachpacket may be routed, manipulated, processed, or handled independentlyof all other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicatednetwork resources.

The circuit-switched MGW function (CS-MGW) 1026 is part of core network1010 and interacts with VLR/MSC server 1028 and GMSC server 1030 inorder to facilitate core network 1010 resource control in the CS domain.Functions of CS-MGW 1026 include, but are not limited to, mediaconversion, bearer control, payload processing or other mobile networkprocessing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1026 may receiveconnections to MS 1002 through BSS 1004 or RNS 1012.

SGSN 1032 stores subscriber data regarding MS 1002 in order tofacilitate network functionality. SGSN 1032 may store subscriptioninformation such as, but not limited to, the IMSI, temporary identities,or PDP addresses. SGSN 1032 may also store location information such as,but not limited to, GGSN address for each GGSN 1034 where an active PDPexists. GGSN 1034 may implement a location register function to storesubscriber data it receives from SGSN 1032 such as subscription orlocation information.

Serving gateway (S-GW) 1036 is an interface which provides connectivitybetween E-UTRAN 1018 and core network 1010. Functions of S-GW 1036include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding,transport level packet processing, or user plane mobility anchoring forinter-network mobility. PCRF 1038 uses information gathered from P-GW1036, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and chargingdecisions related to data flows, network resources or other networkadministration functions. PDN gateway (PDN-GW) 1040 may provideuser-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limitedto, GPRS/EPC network anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, orIP address allocation for PS domain connections.

HSS 1042 is a database for user information and stores subscription dataregarding MS 1002 or UE 1024 for handling calls or data sessions.Networks may contain one HSS 1042 or more if additional resources arerequired. Example data stored by HSS 1042 include, but is not limitedto, user identification, numbering or addressing information, securityinformation, or location information. HSS 1042 may also provide call orsession establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.

VLR/MSC Server 1028 provides user location functionality. When MS 1002enters a new network location, it begins a registration procedure. AnMSC server for that location transfers the location information to theVLR for the area. A VLR and MSC server may be located in the samecomputing environment, as is shown by VLR/MSC server 1028, oralternatively may be located in separate computing environments. A VLRmay contain, but is not limited to, user information such as the IMSI,the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile StationIdentity (LMSI), the last known location of the mobile station, or theSGSN where the mobile station was previously registered. The MSC servermay contain information such as, but not limited to, procedures for MS1002 registration or procedures for handover of MS 1002 to a differentsection of core network 1010. GMSC server 1030 may serve as a connectionto alternate GMSC servers for other MSs in larger networks.

EIR 1044 is a logical element which may store the IMEi for MS 1002. Userequipment may be classified as either “white listed” or “blacklisted”depending on its status in the network. If MS 1002 is stolen and put touse by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “blacklisted” inEIR 1044, preventing its use on the network. An MME 1046 is a controlnode which may track MS 1002 or UE 1024 if the devices are idle.Additional functionality may include the ability of MME 1046 to contactidle MS 1002 or UE 1024 if retransmission of a previous session isrequired.

As described herein, a telecommunications system wherein management andcontrol utilizing a software defined network (SDN) and a simple IP arebased, at least in part, on user equipment, may provide a wirelessmanagement and control framework that enables common wireless managementand control, such as mobility management, radio resource management,QoS, load balancing, etc., across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE,Wi-Fi, and future 5G access technologies; decoupling the mobilitycontrol from data planes to let them evolve and scale independently;reducing network state maintained in the network based on user equipmenttypes to reduce network cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycletime and improving network upgradability; flexibility in creatingend-to-end services based on types of user equipment and applications,thus improve customer experience; or improving user equipment powerefficiency and battery life-especially for simple M2M devices-throughenhanced wireless management.

While examples of a telecommunications system in which emergency alertscan be processed and managed have been described in connection withvarious computing devices/processors, the underlying concepts may beapplied to any computing device, processor, or system capable offacilitating a telecommunications system. The various techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented in connection with hardware orsoftware or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, themethods and devices may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in concrete, tangible, storage media having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. Examples of tangible storagemedia include floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any othertangible machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storagemedium). Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal. Further, acomputer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium as described herein is an article ofmanufacture. When the program code is loaded into and executed by amachine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device fortelecommunications. In the case of program code execution onprogrammable computers, the computing device will generally include aprocessor, a storage medium readable by the processor (includingvolatile or nonvolatile memory or storage elements), at least one inputdevice, and at least one output device. The program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language and may be combined withhardware implementations.

The methods and devices associated with a telecommunications system asdescribed herein also may be practiced via communications embodied inthe form of program code that is transmitted over some transmissionmedium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics,or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when the program code isreceived and loaded into and executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, agate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or thelike, the machine becomes an device for implementing telecommunicationsas described herein. When implemented on a general-purpose processor,the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique devicethat operates to invoke the functionality of a telecommunicationssystem.

Examples

Example 1. A system for troubleshooting a network, the system comprisinga virtual machine that acts a personal assistance agent in performingtroubleshooting on the network, the virtual machine having a virtualcentral processor in communication with at least one memory, the virtualmachine including: a knowledge base configured to store contextualinformation related to the network; a knowledge base manager incommunication with the knowledge base, the knowledge base managerconfigured to collect at least one of contextual information and probleminformation from at least one data source on the network and populatethe knowledge base; a problem monitor in communication with theknowledge base and the knowledge base manager, the problem monitorconfigured to receive the problem information from the knowledge basemanager; a query evaluation engine in communication with the knowledgebase and the problem monitor; an interface configured to receive aquery; and a natural language query translator in communication with theinterface and the query evaluation engine; wherein the natural languagequery translator is configured to provide a natural language query fromthe interface and transmit the query in a machine readable format to thequery evaluation engine; wherein the query evaluation engine analyzes atleast one of the contextual information in the knowledge base and theproblem information in the problem manager relevant to the query andgenerates a recommendation list.

Example 2. The system of example 1, wherein the problem monitor storesthe problem information relevant to the query in a memory.

Example 3. The system of example 1, wherein the knowledge base storesthe contextual information relevant to the query in a memory.

Example 4. The system of example 3, wherein the contextual informationincludes at least one of a representation of the network relevant to thequery, performance data for network elements relevant to the query, pastqueries related to the query, past solutions relevant to the query,steps performed in attempting to resolve past queries relevant to thequery, and the impact of past steps performed on the network.

Example 5. The system of example 1, wherein the knowledge base managerdirects storage of the query and the recommendation list in a memory inat least one of the knowledge base and the problem monitor.

Example 6. The system of example 1, wherein the query evaluation enginestores a recommendation selected from the recommendation list,reevaluates the contextual information from knowledge base manager andproblem manager to provide a follow up recommendation and prompt for afurther query via the interface to form a network troubleshootingdialogue.

Example 7. The system of example 1, wherein the query evaluation engineis configured to provide an update to the knowledge base manager, theupdate including at least one of the query, the associated context forthe query and the associated problems for the query.

Example 8. The system of example 7, wherein the knowledge base manageris configured to direct storage of the update in at least one of theknowledge base and the problem monitor.

Example 9. The system of example 1, wherein the problem monitor isconfigured to communicate updated problem information associated withthe query to the knowledge base manager.

Example 10. The system of example 1, wherein the data source includes atleast one of a network topology, an event, an alarm, an interdependency,a relationship, a performance value, a key performance indicator, and ameasurement related to a network element.

Example 11. A personal assistance agent provided in a network devicecomprising: a processor, an input/output device coupled to theprocessor, and a memory coupled with the processor, the memorycomprising executable instructions that when executed by the processorcause the processor to effectuate operations comprising receiving viathe input/output device a troubleshooting query relating to at least onenetwork via a query evaluation engine; collecting contextual informationrelevant to the query; obtaining problem information relevant to thequery; and outputting, via an interface, a recommendation list includingat least one of a likelihood of success for each recommendation in therecommendation list and an impact of each recommendation in therecommendation list on the network.

Example 12. The network device of example 11, wherein the processor isadapted to execute instructions received via an interface including:translating the query from natural language to machine readablelanguage.

Example 13. The network device of example 11, wherein the processorexecutes instruction to provide a knowledge base manager and establishcommunication with at least one data source; populate a knowledge basewithin the memory with contextual information obtained by the knowledgebase manager.

Example 14. The network device of example 12, wherein the processorfurther executes instructions to instantiate a problem monitor incommunication with the knowledge base, the problem monitor beingconfigured to identify problem information relevant to the query.

Example 15. The network device of example 14, wherein the processorexecutes instructions to store at least one of the contextualinformation, the problem information, and the recommendation list inassociation with the query in the memory.

Example 16. A method comprising providing, a personal assistance agenton a network device comprising a knowledge base manager in communicationwith at least one data source within a network, the knowledge basemanager being configured to obtain contextual information and probleminformation from the at least one data source; receiving a query from aninterface; directing the query to a query evaluation engine; obtainingat least one of the contextual information and the problem informationrelevant to the query and communicating the at least one of thecontextual information and the problem information to the queryevaluation engine; analyzing the contextual information and probleminformation via the query evaluation engine; and generating via thequery evaluation engine a recommendation list and communicating therecommendation list to the interface.

Example 17. The method of example 16 further comprising the step ofproviding on the network device a knowledge base in communication withthe knowledge base manager; and storing at least one of the contextualinformation, the problem information, and the recommendation listrelevant to the query in the knowledge base.

Example 18. The method of example 16 further comprising updating theknowledge base manager with at least one of contextual information,problem information and the recommendation list associated with thequery.

Example 19. The method of example 16 further comprising updating theknowledge base manager with a selection from the recommendation list.

Example 20. The method of example 16 wherein the query evaluation engineperforms at least one of fault localization, fault detection,identifying component or system trends, what-if analysis, mitigationstrategy, and pattern recognition based on at least one of thecontextual information and problem information relevant to the query.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for troubleshooting a network, thesystem comprising: a processing system including a processor; and memorycoupled with the processing system, the memory storing executableinstructions that when executed by the processing system cause theprocessing system to effectuate operations comprising: receiving aquery, wherein the query identifies one or more problems in the network;retrieving contextual information and problem information, associatedwith the one or more problems, from a knowledge base; generating a firstrecommendation list comprising one or more recommendations, wherein eachof the one or more recommendations comprises the contextual informationor the problem information and at least one course of action; receivinga selection of a recommendation from the first recommendation listresulting in a selected recommendation; updating the knowledge base toinclude information associated with the selection of the recommendation;and generating, in response to a further query, a second recommendationlist comprising one or more further recommendations that include furthercontextual information or further problem information retrieved from theknowledge base.
 2. The system of claim 1, the operations furthercomprising storing the selection and a resulting impact on performancefor the network in response to performing at least one course of actionassociated with the selection.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thefurther query further identifies the one or more problems in the networkassociated with the query.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstrecommendation list is ordered based on an associated priority for eachof the one or more recommendations.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereineach of the one or more recommendations of the first recommendation listcomprises a likelihood that an associated recommended solution will fixthe one or more problems identified in the query.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the likelihood that the associated recommended solution willfix the one or more problems identified in the query is expressed as alow likelihood, a medium likelihood, or a high likelihood.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the further contextual information or the furtherproblem information is retrieved based, at least in part, on theselected recommendation.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the probleminformation comprises at least one of: a history of problems for eachnetwork element or service relevant to the query.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the contextual information comprises at least one of: arelationship of service elements or an interdependence of networkelements.
 10. A method for troubleshooting a network, the methodcomprising: receiving, by a processing system including a processor, aquery, wherein the query identifies one or more problems in the network;retrieving, by the processing system, contextual information and probleminformation, associated with the one or more problems, from a knowledgebase; generating, by the processing system, a first recommendation listcomprising one or more recommendations, wherein each of the one or morerecommendations comprises the contextual information or the probleminformation and at least one course of action; receiving, by theprocessing system, a selection of a recommendation from the firstrecommendation list resulting in a selected recommendation; updating, bythe processing system, the knowledge base to include informationassociated with the selection of the recommendation; and generating, bythe processing system, in response to a further query, a secondrecommendation list comprising one or more further recommendations thatinclude further contextual information or further problem informationretrieved from the knowledge base.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising storing, by the processing system, the selection and aresulting impact on performance for the network in response toperforming at least one course of action associated with the selection.12. The method of claim 10, wherein the further query further identifiesthe one or more problems in the network associated with the query. 13.The method of claim 10, wherein the first recommendation list is orderedbased on an associated priority for each of the one or morerecommendations.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the one ormore recommendations of the first recommendation list comprises alikelihood that an associated recommended solution will fix the one ormore problems identified in the query.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the likelihood that the associated recommended solution will fixthe one or more problems identified in the query is expressed as a lowlikelihood, a medium likelihood, or a high likelihood.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the further contextual information or the furtherproblem information is retrieved based, at least in part, on theselected recommendation.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the probleminformation comprises at least one of: a history of problems for eachnetwork element or service relevant to the query.
 18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the contextual information comprises at least one of:a relationship of service elements or an interdependence of networkelements.
 19. A computer-readable storage medium storing executableinstructions that when executed by a computing device including aprocessor cause said computing device to effectuate operationscomprising: receiving a query, wherein the query identifies one or moreproblems in a network; retrieving contextual information and probleminformation, associated with the one or more problems, from a knowledgebase; generating a first recommendation list comprising one or morerecommendations, wherein each of the one or more recommendationscomprises the contextual information or the problem information and atleast one course of action; receiving a selection of a recommendationfrom the first recommendation list; updating the knowledge base toinclude information associated with the selection of the recommendation;and generating, in response to a further query, a second recommendationlist comprising one or more further recommendations that include furthercontextual information or further problem information retrieved from theknowledge base.
 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19,the operations further comprising storing the selection and a resultingimpact on performance for the network in response to performing at leastone course of action associated with the selection.